Official STIHL Importer

Preparing the saw chain

Sägekette vorbereiten

One of the main advantages of the basic saw tooth chain is that it can be resharpened with a round file.

An exception to this rule are STIHL carbide-tipped chains which are called "Duro chains". They are particularly wear resistant and their extremely hard cutting edges have to be resharpened with special diamond grinding wheels. Please contact your STIHL Approved Dealer for more information.

All other saw chains can be resharpened relatively easily with the right tools and technique.

When should I sharpen the saw chain?

Even the best quality saw chain wears and becomes blunt after a certain period of use. It is time to resharpen the chain when one of the following conditions occurs:
  • The saw chain does not pull itself into the cut, it has to be forced to cut by applying pressure to the powerhead.
  • The saw chain generates fine sawdust instead of wood chips on the cross cut.
  • Smoke appears in the cut even though chain lubrication is in order and chain tension is correct.
  • The saw does not cut in a straight line. This is an indication of blunt cutters on one side of the chain or irregular cutter lengths.
  • The chainsaw 'chatters' and 'bounces' during the cut. In this case you must check the depth gauge settings.

Preparing the saw chain

Clean the saw chain Zoom

Start by cleaning the saw chain thoroughly with the STIHL resin solvent. You should examine the chain for signs of damage at the same time. Replace any damaged or worn parts immediately.

Wear marks Zoom

If the wear marks on the saw chain have been reached, you should install a new chain. Contact your STIHL Approved Dealer who will be happy to help you further.

Tensioning the saw chain

Tensioning the saw chain Zoom

The chain must be tensioned tighter than normal for resharpening. This prevents the cutters tipping and makes it easier for you to maintain the correct angles. After resharpening, restore chain tension to normal.

Identifying the master cutter

Identifying the master cutter Zoom
  • Find the shortest cutter.
  • Mark it as the master cutter. All other cutters in the chain have to be matched to the same length. Sharpen the master cutter first and then file all other cutters back to the same length.
  • Clamp the guide bar in a vice to suit the position of the master cutter.

Clamping the guide bar

Master cutter in right hand row Zoom

Master cutter in the right hand row of teeth

Clamp the guide bar with the bar nose facing to the left.

Master cutter in left hand row Zoom

Master cutter in the left hand row of teeth

  • Clamp the guide bar with the bar nose facing to the right.
  • Pull the master cutter into the filing position and then lock the chain in position with the chain brake.
  • Disengage the chain brake to pull the saw chain along the bar and engage the brake again before filing the next cutter.
Sägeketten schärfen Prospekt Sharpening STIHL saw chains brochure

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